Today, the Spanish Senate approved a sweeping new law that eases restrictions on abortion, declaring it a woman’s right and removing the threat of imprisonment. The new law also allows women to obtain abortion without restrictions up to 14 weeks into the pregnancy, and gives 16- and 17-year-olds the right to have abortions without parental consent.

This latest development is especially exciting when considered as part of a recent trend of reform by Prime Minister Zapatero: under Zapatero, Spain has also legalized gay marriage, made it easier for Spaniards to divorce, and is set to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter.

For more on the importance of access to safe abortion for women’s health worldwide, please visit the safe abortion section of our website, which features context, links, factsheets, and more.

Lori Adelman

ContributorAkimbo

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